Wednesdays are late....it's Mission Impossible night. We stay up late and play a "catch me" game in the dark. I love it and hate it. I love it because I always go out with my camp bffs and we laugh til we cry....I hate it because I lose so much sleep on these nights. But in the end, it's all worth it. The campers LOVE it!
It's the little things like Mission Impossible that can break down the walls that these campers sometimes have. Just the simple act of "busting" them and then tying them up can close that gap. Funny, the things God can use to draw people closer together and eventually closer to Him.
Thank you Lord, for this ministry and all the different aspects of it....from the chapels, the family style meals, to the late night games. May our efforts bring forth a bountiful harvest....and may we give all the glory back to You.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Week 5, Tuesday
Another Tuesday come and gone.....cabin pictures, activity classes, grilled hamburgers, water fight and snack shop....all were a success and the campers are enjoying themselves. There are a few that are homesick, but they are hanging in there. It was really hot today, but about an hour before the water fight it cooled down quite a bit....it was the COLDEST waterfight EVER! Being cold is one of the things I hate the most....ugh! But once it was over, I realized what a blessing it was, as I saw the smiles on the faces of all the kids....I was still cold, but my heart was warm :)
The rain clouds are moving in and the wind is picking up....praying for rain tonight....we need it. Looking forward to God "raining" down blessings on us this week. We are all weary and tired, but expectant....excited to see what God is going to do this week.
The rain clouds are moving in and the wind is picking up....praying for rain tonight....we need it. Looking forward to God "raining" down blessings on us this week. We are all weary and tired, but expectant....excited to see what God is going to do this week.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Week 5, Monday
This has been our smallest camp so far....we barely have 100 campers....and then to top it off, the girls outnumber the boys 80 to 20. Where are all the boys this week?
Our work team is small too....we have 11 people from NJ here this week....but they seem willing and eager to work. They all seem to really want to get involved....that is my prayer, at least. It is often like pulling teeth to get people to get involved and step out of their comfort zone. Praying this week will show something different.
We are praying for a bountiful harvest despite the small numbers....it could be a blessing to our tired staff....fewer campers but more opportunities for one on one time with them. Praying that the Lord will bless us all with the smaller numbers and slightly lighter load.
Our work team is small too....we have 11 people from NJ here this week....but they seem willing and eager to work. They all seem to really want to get involved....that is my prayer, at least. It is often like pulling teeth to get people to get involved and step out of their comfort zone. Praying this week will show something different.
We are praying for a bountiful harvest despite the small numbers....it could be a blessing to our tired staff....fewer campers but more opportunities for one on one time with them. Praying that the Lord will bless us all with the smaller numbers and slightly lighter load.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Week 4, Saturday
Just wanted to give a 'numbers' update on the summer so far.....
After 4 weeks of camp, we have had close to 45 kids accept Christ as their Savior....many more made decisions to take their walk with the Lord more seriously and seek Him daily. Please pray for these kids...many go back to very difficult situations. We've already had one mom call the camp angry and hostile because her daughter chose to accept Christ as her Savior....that young girl will most likely be shunned by her family because of her decision. That is not uncommon here. So please remember these children in prayer....that they will find Christian support and be able to stand firm in the face of persecution and difficulties.
We have 4 more weeks of camp.....looking forward to seeing what God is going to do the 2nd half of the summer!
After 4 weeks of camp, we have had close to 45 kids accept Christ as their Savior....many more made decisions to take their walk with the Lord more seriously and seek Him daily. Please pray for these kids...many go back to very difficult situations. We've already had one mom call the camp angry and hostile because her daughter chose to accept Christ as her Savior....that young girl will most likely be shunned by her family because of her decision. That is not uncommon here. So please remember these children in prayer....that they will find Christian support and be able to stand firm in the face of persecution and difficulties.
We have 4 more weeks of camp.....looking forward to seeing what God is going to do the 2nd half of the summer!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Week 4, Friday
It's been another good week of camp....good group of kids....many made decisions for Christ. The campfire was testimony to that...lots of kids stood and shared their desire to follow God more closely. Makes all the long days worth it.
We had 2 workteams this week...both from CA. They were a big help, filling in all the gaps.
Lori was one of the ladies on one of the workteams.....neat lady, hard worker, loves the campers, loves the Lord even more. I have really enjoyed getting to know her this week. There is something else about Lori that is neat....she's the sister of one of my dearest friends....a friend I miss lots. As soon as I saw Lori, I knew she was Becky's sister....they have the same stance, the same smile, the same laugh. Although there are many differences in these two siblings, there are still those similarities. When I see Lori, I can't help but think of Becky. It makes me miss her, makes me think about the sweet times of fellowship we have shared, makes me wish she were here too.
I wonder what I remind people of.....
One counselor here says I remind her of her mom (and btw, that's a compliment...she thinks her mom is the best!).....someone else says I remind them of their "crazy" aunt back east somewhere. I guess I'm ok with all that.....
But we are called to be examples of Christ....to live a life that resembles his....a holy life. Our life should remind others of Christ....His love, His mercy, His patience, His forgiveness.....people should see those characteristics of Christ in our life. We should resemble our Savior.
I'm convicted. I know I don't always (I dare say I SELDOM) remind others of Christ. My flesh is daily (hourly) getting in the way. Even though it's my 'profession' to resemble Christ, I daily fail.
Bur thankfully His mercies are new every morning, and although I messed up many times this week....with campers and with staff.....I am confident in His forgiveness and His promise to use us despite our many flaws.
Like I said, I have greatly enjoyed getting to know Lori this week....even tonight I had another great conversation with her. She has been a blessing and a sweet reminder of my far away friend, Becky. And funny, she told ME that I remind HER of Becky....
I'm ok with that.... :)
We had 2 workteams this week...both from CA. They were a big help, filling in all the gaps.
Lori was one of the ladies on one of the workteams.....neat lady, hard worker, loves the campers, loves the Lord even more. I have really enjoyed getting to know her this week. There is something else about Lori that is neat....she's the sister of one of my dearest friends....a friend I miss lots. As soon as I saw Lori, I knew she was Becky's sister....they have the same stance, the same smile, the same laugh. Although there are many differences in these two siblings, there are still those similarities. When I see Lori, I can't help but think of Becky. It makes me miss her, makes me think about the sweet times of fellowship we have shared, makes me wish she were here too.
I wonder what I remind people of.....
One counselor here says I remind her of her mom (and btw, that's a compliment...she thinks her mom is the best!).....someone else says I remind them of their "crazy" aunt back east somewhere. I guess I'm ok with all that.....
But we are called to be examples of Christ....to live a life that resembles his....a holy life. Our life should remind others of Christ....His love, His mercy, His patience, His forgiveness.....people should see those characteristics of Christ in our life. We should resemble our Savior.
I'm convicted. I know I don't always (I dare say I SELDOM) remind others of Christ. My flesh is daily (hourly) getting in the way. Even though it's my 'profession' to resemble Christ, I daily fail.
Bur thankfully His mercies are new every morning, and although I messed up many times this week....with campers and with staff.....I am confident in His forgiveness and His promise to use us despite our many flaws.
Like I said, I have greatly enjoyed getting to know Lori this week....even tonight I had another great conversation with her. She has been a blessing and a sweet reminder of my far away friend, Becky. And funny, she told ME that I remind HER of Becky....
I'm ok with that.... :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)